In the nineteen nineties, popular culture focused heavily on dark themes and environmental care. The Dark Sun campaign setting for Dungeons and Dragons fit that era well. It presented a dangerous desert world destroyed by powerful sorcerer kings, where strong warriors with psychic powers fought to stay alive.

Dark Sun briefly returned during the fourth edition of Dungeons and Dragons, but fans have asked for a fifth edition version for many years. Wizards of the Coast officially announced the return of the setting during a presentation at the Gen Con convention.The return will include three products launching next year:

- Blood and Power: A rulebook for players that introduces the psion character class. 
- Edge of Oblivion: A campaign guide designed for game masters.
- Special Edition Player Handbook: A custom book featuring classic dark fantasy cover art.

Wizards of the Coast stated that the new books will be wrapped in plastic because they contain adult content. The products carry an eighteen plus age rating due to strong language, bloodshed, nudity, and adult themes. Although some fans worried the setting might be softened, the animated preview shows that the world remains as brutal and violent as the original version.